Last Time Out

A goal in each half would prove pivotal as the Bannsiders earned all three points against Crusaders back in December…

Date:

Friday, December 9, 2022

Result:

Coleraine 2-0 Crusaders

Goals – A. Jarvis (’12 mins) & E. McLaughlin (’61 mins)

Report:

COLERAINE made it a hat-trick of successive wins in the Danske Bank Premiership after a hard fought 2-0 victory against Crusaders.

The Bannsiders made four changes from the midweek success in the BetMcLean Cup and one of those alterations would help make the breakthrough after 12 minutes on the clock. A free kick from Josh Carson came back off the upright and Aaron Jarvis was in the right place at the right time to follow the rebound into the net.

The visitors settled into the contest and threatened on 29 minutes as a fantastic delivery into the box by Jordan Forsythe was headed wide by Adam Lecky.

Minutes later, Philip Lowry – who has enjoyed a rich vein of form in front of goal – would have the next sight of goal as his header from Ross Clarke’s free-kick trickled inches wide.

Just before the half-time whistle, Crusaders would threaten again as a ball into the box wasn’t dealt by the home defence and Billy Joe Burns hit a shot towards goal that was blocked by Aaron Jarvis.

Crusaders would enjoy plenty of possession and carved out the first chance of the second-half as Lecky’s flick on found Paul Heatley at the edge of the box but the winger’s shot on the turn was comfortably gathered by Gareth Deane.

Despite that pressure, Coleraine would forge further ahead on 61 minutes as Jamie Glackin and Dean Jarvis combined on the left-hand side to tee up Evan McLaughlin inside the box. The winger would connect with the ball and despite not getting the best contact the on loan Derry City found the back of the net.

Crusaders needed an instant lifeline and had a penalty shot turned down, however, Deane would be called into action with ten minutes remaining as he saved from Lecky’s effort.

A fifth successive clean sheet in the Premiership for Kearney’s men and a good end to a busy week.

Line-ups:

COLERAINE: Deane, Kane, D. Jarvis, A. Jarvis, McCrudden (Shevlin ’68 mins), Carson (O’Mahony ’68 mins), Farren, O’Donnell, Glackin (Lowry ’85 mins), E. McLaughlin (McKendry ’85 mins), McDermott.

Subs Not Used: Gallagher (GK), Brown, J. McLaughlin.

CRUSADERS: Tuffey, W. Burns, Robinson, Lowry, Lecky, Caddell (Boyd ’46 mins), Forsythe, Thompson, Heatley, Clarke, Barr (Owens ’78 mins).

Subs Not Used: Murphy (GK), Ebbe, Steele, McMurray, C. Burns.

Referee:

Evan Boyce

Highlights:

HERE